BENCHTEST - Network computers - Network computers rise to the challenge.

During the last year, the network computer market has diversified, PCs, but they can also have implications on the network. Alan Clark explains the ins and outs, and reviews six NCs. almost to the point where the name 'network computer' (NC) simply means an alternative, low-cost computing device designed to compete with the traditional desktop PC. The truth is, however, that the NC - in any of its various guises - does lower total cost of ownership, and ease the management burden placed on network support staff.

The NC model of computing shifts the emphasis from the desktop to the network and, in particular, the application servers. If implemented properly with some thought on design, availability and scalability, the network infrastructure shouldn't cause too many problems.

All of the NCs and Windows-based terminals in this benchtest are compatible with both the ICA protocol, developed by Citrix, and the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), formerly known as T-Share, developed by Microsoft for its multi-user Windows product, Hydra. Depending on your needs for legacy connectivity, each of the NC vendors offers a range of Host connectivity and Terminal emulation options.

When it comes to choosing an NC, you need to have a clear idea of what its intended environment and usage will be. If there's a chance that you could be deploying some heavy Java applications, then you'll need an NC that can handle large amounts of RAM and that has an above average processor.

Likewise, if all you need is a Windows-based terminal then there's no need to go for a high-end NC with more options than a Virgin PEP.

Unfortunately, neither IBM (with its NetStation 1000), nor Sun (with its Java Station), were able to submit products for this test. IBM wasn't able to deliver a test model in time and Sun's Java Station is still in development. Also, we decided not to look at NetPCs as there are too many of them.

Boundless Technologies Viewpoint TC200

The Viewpoint TC200 is Boundless Technologies' answer to the Windows-based terminal (WBT), and provides connectivity to all the various multi-user Windows incarnations, including Hydra, by way of the ICA protocol.

Although this protocol doesn't demand an enormous amount of processing power, the Viewpoint TC200 is built around a 133MHz 5x86 processor and comes with 4MB of RAM as standard, which can be upgraded to 64MB as and when required. The TC200 also has 4MB of Flash RAM and 1MB of video RAM.

All of this may sound like overkill for a simple WBT, but by way of an optional software module and, if necessary, an internal hard disk, the TC200 can be upgraded for internet and intranet environments or for Java applications.

As you'd expect, a range of ports are available at the rear of the unit.

These comprise two 9-pin serial ports, a parallel port, two PS/2 connectors for a mouse and keyboard, a video connector and a 10BaseT-network connector; optional 10Base2 and 100BaseT network ports and a Token Ring module are available if required. There is also a standard 3-pin power connector; unlike the other NCs in this test, this is the only model not to have a separate external power supply. Furthermore, this is also the only system to provide PC-style expansion by way of a 16-bit ISA slot and a 32-bit PCI slot, along with a Type-II PC Card Smart Card slot.

Management of the Viewpoint TC200 is accomplished by way of the aptly-named Viewpoint Administrator software, and provides the network administrator with a clean, simple interface for managing all Viewpoint devices across the network, either from the Administrator's own workstation connected to the network, or from a remote system.

Boundless Technologies: (0031) 345 565656

Price: #547

NCD Explora 451

The stylish front panel of the Explora 451 has an on/off button, as well as power and activity LEDs. On the rear of the unit you'll find all the usual connectors you'd expect: power, serial, parallel, video and a 10/100 autosensing RJ45 network connector. The two PS/2 connectors for the mouse and keyboard are actually located on the base, underneath the unit. There is also a single Type II PC Card slot available for a wireless network card, while 10Base2 and Token Ring network connectivity are available as optional extras.

The hardware is powered by a 66MHz PowerPC chip and comes with 8MB of RAM as standard, expandable to 128MB. A maximum video resolution of 1,280x1,024 is available, courtesy of an S3 chipset with 2MB of video RAM. The Explora 451 also has 8-bit audio.

NCDware version 5 is also included with the Explora 451. This is NCD's own embedded operating system that provides the local ICA client, Java Virtual Machine, browser, wireless connectivity and light pen support.

Installation of the device is straightforward: simply install the NCDware software onto the appropriate server, and attach the Explora 451 to the network. Windows connectivity is serviced by NCD's WinCenter software which is essentially a license of Winframe, from Citrix, with a few specific NCD enhancements.

NCD: (01753) 736600

Price: #650

Neoware Systems NeoStation 540

The NeoStation 540 can either be mounted flat or on its side. The front of the unit has the obligatory on/off switch, LEDs for indicating power and activity, as well as headphone and microphone inputs - the latter accompanying the built-in mic.

A wide range of connectors are available to the rear and these include two 9-pin serial ports, a parallel port and two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard. A socket for video and a connector for a 10BaseT-network are also located on the rear of the unit. Furthermore there are two Type II PC Card slots. These are stacked one on top of the other so that they can be used as either two Type II slots or one Type III slot. This can be used for PC Card removable storage; a 40MB Type III hard disk came with our review model. Optional network interfaces are available for Fast Ethernet and Token Ring via PC Card support.

Powered by a 25MHz Intel i960 processor, the 540 can be upgraded to 132MB of RAM, with an optional 6MB of Flash memory available. The video hardware supports resolutions up to 1,600x1,200, making it ideal for graphical applications.

Running Neoware's netOS software, a variety of options are available for accessing Windows applications, mainframes, minicomputers, Unix applications, Java and the internet. Upgrading to netOS for the Enterprise brings you Unix connectivity along with 3270 and VT320 terminal emulation, with a further 32 terminal emulators available for accessing enterprise systems.

NetOS for intranets gives you everything you're likely to need for Java, web browsing and e-mail support.

Neoware Systems (01344) 382164

Price: #943

Tektronix NC217

Compared to many of the products featured here, the NC217 has a rather unassuming design. The front panel simply has an on/off button and power LED. The left-hand side has a variety of audio connections for headphones, a mic and audio in and out. The usual array of connectors; two serial, two PS/2 for keyboard and mouse, parallel, video, 10BaseT-network connection and power. There are, however, additional expansion modules available for empty ports.

Options for the NC217 include 10Base5-, 10Base2-, an autosensing 10/100BaseT network connection, PC Card slots, and an MPEG-1 digital video card along with a small video camera.

This range of options just goes to demonstrate the versatility of these devices in comparison to their bloated desktop PC counterparts. Built around a 100MHz NEC4300 processor, the NC217 comes with 8MB of RAM as standard, expandable to 128MB. As well as providing connectivity to multi-user Windows applications, the NC217 offers a range of host connectivity options including Sun, HP, Digital, RS/6000 and SGI, along with support for a barrow-load of terminal emulations, as well as Java support and a local web browser courtesy of Navio.

All of this connectivity is provided by Tektronix's NCBridge application.

Versions for both NT and Unix are available - the Unix manual is about twice as thick as that for NT! This software also provides you with an interface for managing and configuring the range of NCs from Tektronix.

Tektronix (01628) 403300

Price: #1,140

Wyse Winterm 2310SE

The Winterm 2310SE, from Wyse, is your basic Windows-based terminal, providing connectivity to multi-user NT environments such a Citrix Winframe and Microsoft's own Hydra product, by way of the Citrix-developed ICA protocol - now to be known as pICAsso. Optional firmware support for Microsoft's TSHARE protocol - now known as the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) - is also available.

Two serial ports, a parallel port, two PS/2 connectors for mouse and keyboard, a video connector, a Type II PCCard slot and a 10BaseT-network connector make up the usual range of connectors at the rear of the unit; optional 100BaseT and Token Ring network modules are available.

Unlike other NCs in this benchtest, the Winterm 2310SE has minimal memory requirements: 1MB of code space for downloading the thin-client software (upgradeable using Flash RAM), 1MB of video RAM, providing a maximum resolution of 1,024x768, and a further 2MB for caching. This may seem paltry for such a device, but it's more than adequate for multi-user Windows NT environments.

Wyse (01189) 342200

Price: #495

Wyse Winterm 2600SE

Although still a basic Windows-based terminal, the 2600SE is also aimed at other diverse environments. With its integrated 12.1in LCD display, the Winterm 2600SE is the ideal solution for meeting the emission-free requirements of medical and other such environments. With this in mind, Wyse has built into the casing a mounting point that could as easily be attached to a rolling cart as it could a wall, to provide maximum visibility with a minimum footprint.

The 2600SE is also ideal for users with limited desk space. Add to this an optional touch screen, and you have the perfect solution for multimedia booths and other such applications. The active-matrix LCD display provides a clear picture with a wide viewing angle, giving a high degree of visibility.

Behind the cable shroud at the rear of the unit, is the usual array of connectors: two serial ports, a parallel port, two PS/2 connectors for a mouse and keyboard, a single Type-II PC Card slot, power connector and a 10BaseT network port. Four other RJ45 connectors are also present, although only two are currently used: one for the optional magnetic strip reader, and the other for the optional touch screen.

A small control panel located at the front of the unit, in conjunction with a simple on-screen display, allows you to adjust the screen contrast, horizontal and vertical positions, stability and brightness. There is also an on/off button and small LED indicating power and sleep mode.

Wyse (01189) 342200

Price: #1, 799

OUR VERDICT

Of the six devices that we looked at, three in particular stand out.

The Neostation 540 from Neoware Systems is an excellent, all-round NC catering for Windows, Legacy and Unix environments. The Tektronix NC217 is another NC worthy of a recommendation. Powerful hardware is combined with a wealth of expansion options to create a singularly flexible device able to cope easily in some very demanding areas. Lastly, although just a Windows-based terminal, the Winterm 2600SE from Wyse is an interesting approach to the NC market. Its LCD display opens up a wide range of possible applications in some very specialised markets.

The Winterm 2600SE also clearly demonstrates that network computers are not simply about reducing the total cost of ownership. With a certain amount of foresight and product planning, NCs can be introduced into environments where, computers would otherwise be unfeasible, such as the sterile conditions required in medical environments.